
David Rowlinson
My Kind of Cruise
FAQ: P&O Cruises - Service Charges
When planning a cruise holiday, understanding the nuances of service charges and gratuities can significantly enhance your experience.
P&O Cruises distinguish themselves by incorporating tipping and gratuities into the overall fare, ensuring a seamless and worry-free voyage for all guests.
Inclusive gratuities: a commitment to exceptional service:
P&O Cruises has embraced a policy where all necessary gratuities are included in the price of your holiday. This means that once on board, you are not expected to provide additional tips to the crew. This approach allows you to fully relax and enjoy the exceptional service without the concern of extra charges. As stated by P&O Cruises:
“Tipping/gratuities are included in the price of your holiday, therefore you won’t be charged extra for this when on board.”
Additional service charges for select services:
While the general policy includes gratuities, it’s important to note that certain services may carry additional charges. For instance, spa treatments booked on board are subject to a 10% service charge, which is added to your on-board account. This gratuity is applied for your convenience, and should you wish to adjust the amount, you can do so during the check-out process.

Room service considerations:
P&O Cruises offers a comprehensive room service menu, allowing you to enjoy meals and beverages in the comfort of your cabin. While a Continental breakfast is included in your fare, other items may incur additional charges. Specifically, on ships like Arvia and Iona, a delivery charge applies to room service orders.
Personalised appreciation:
Although tipping is not required, guests who feel they have received exceptional service are welcome to show their appreciation personally. This gesture is entirely at your discretion and can be a meaningful way to acknowledge crew members who have made your journey particularly memorable.
P&O Cruises’ inclusive gratuity policy reflects their dedication to providing outstanding service without the need for guests to worry about additional tipping. By understanding the specifics of service charges associated with select services, you can better plan and enjoy a seamless cruising experience when you book through us here, at My Kind of Cruise.
If you're thinking of booking a cruise for your next holiday, My Kind of Cruise have an app for that! With thousands of cruises at fantastic prices, we pass savings straight to you! Download the app today and get booking!
Booking a cruise, made easy
The My Kind of Cruise app is your all-in-one solution for cruise planning. Easily search, compare, and book your ideal cruise with a user-friendly interface offering detailed itineraries, competitive pricing, and advanced search filters.
Your bookings are 100% financially secure, as all our cruises are ABTA and ATOL protected. Plan your perfect voyage with confidence and convenience using My Kind of Cruise.
Available in the UK and US. Ts & Cs apply.

More FAQs
View more
FAQ: P&O Cruises - Cabins
Explore all P&O Cruises cabin types in this guide: suites, balconies, inside & more, plus answers to the most common cabin-related questions.
By David Rowlinson from My Kind of Cruise

FAQ: P&O Cruises - Web Check in
Find out more abou P&O Cruises’ online check-in to save time at the terminal. Add passport details, register a card, and download your boarding pass.
By David Rowlinson from My Kind of Cruise

FAQ: MSC Cruises - On Board
Get answers to common MSC Cruises questions. Learn about onboard services, tips, policies, and more before you set sail.
By David Rowlinson from My Kind of Cruise

FAQ: MSC Cruises - Service Charges/Gratuities
Discover why tips are included in your MSC Cruises fare and why individual tipping is not recommended - you can just relax and enjoy your cruise!
By David Rowlinson from My Kind of Cruise

FAQ: MSC - Children and Teens
Find out more about the MSC Cruises kids & teens policy: age rules, cabins, activities, safety, food, family-friendly onboard services and more.
By David Rowlinson from My Kind of Cruise

FAQ: MSC Cruises - Dining
Explore MSC Cruises’ dining options, from complimentary meals to speciality restaurants and drinks packages, perfect for all tastes and ages.
By David Rowlinson from My Kind of Cruise

FAQ: MSC Cruises - Internet access
Stay connected at sea with MSC Cruises’ satellite internet on the high seas. Learn about packages, coverage, tips, and savings with My Kind of Cruise.
By David Rowlinson from My Kind of Cruise

FAQ: MSC Cruises - Cabins
Explore MSC Cruises cabin options in this complete guide. Learn about amenities, services, family accommodations, and what to expect during your stay.

FAQ: MSC Cruises - The MSC Voyagers Club Explained
Explore all membership tiers for The MSC Voyagers Club and see how you can elevate every voyage with luxury rewards and onboard privileges.

FAQ: MSC Cruises - Web Check-In
Learn about MSC Cruises’ web check-in, E-ticket, Boarding Pass, documents, credit card registration, and embarkation for a smooth cruise experience.

FAQ: Princess Plus and Princess Premier
Dive in to find out all the answers to all the questions you have about both Princess Plus and Princess Premiere packages

What's included when I book a cruise holiday?
What's included on a cruise ship holiday? Is food included? Are drinks included? Are shore excursions included? Are trips included?

Can I choose what time I eat at night, table size and who I am dining with?
The choice of dining times, restaurants and even the size of your table may be available for you to choose at the time of booking.

Do I have to tip or pay gratuities onboard?
Tips and tipping onboard, also known as 'Gratuities', differ for all cruise lines. Some include it, for others it's up to you.

What's a Cabin Category?
Like booking a hotel, a cruise ship has lots of different types of room types- Inside, Window or Porthole, Balcony, Suite. These are cabin categories.

What is a 'Guarantee Cabin'?
Guarantee cabins GTY are a great idea if you're travelling on a budget, don't need cabin number and you're hoping for a free upgrade

Oceanview, Seaview or Outside Cabin- What's the Difference?
Oceanview, Seaview or Outside Cabin- What's the Difference? All have natural light through a window, porthole or floor to ceiling glass.

I've booked, what happens next?
Now you've booked, all you need to do is register with your cruise line so you can see what's happening on your cruise, get all the updates

What are shore excursions?
Shore excursions are organised day trips and tours ashore in each port you visit. Organised trips mean you are fully protected against mishaps

How do I know which cruise terminal I am sailing from?
All the details for reaching your ship, port and terminal will be sent in your final documents, which will be emailed 7-14 days before departure